Solar system can cut costs

Technology can help us utilise the weather to help us save money on our fuel bills and do our bit for the environment at the same time. Solar power is popular throughout the Caribbean as a method of heating hot water for the home but this technology has not been thoroughly used in the Cayman Islands.

Solar water heaters have many advantages including the potential savings on fuel bills. Utility bills can be costly; in fact a family of four may be spending in the region of $1,300-$1,800 per year on their water heating.

Solar water heating will provide the owner with large savings on their utility bills and as a renewable energy source, solar power is very good for the environment.

Modern solar water systems offer excellent reliability, with hot water available at any time of the day, including when the sun goes down.

‘Our Caribbean neighbours have been using this technology for over 25 years to increase their energy efficiency and save money. It is time for us to catch up,’ he said. ‘As we are becoming more environmentally aware and look at alternative energy sources, this is a simple way to reduce our fuel consumption and make savings at the same time.’

Solar water heaters work on the principle of convection; that hot water rises and cold water falls. Storage tanks are strategically placed on the roof of the house or property in direct sunlight. Cold water in the storage tank falls to the bottom of the solar panels for heating, and once heated it rises into the insulated storage tank ready for use.

Sunpower Systems is distributing solar hot water heaters made by Barbadian company Sunpower 1999 Ltd. These systems have been in use in the Caribbean since 1978 and are available in Barbados, Jamaica, Grenada, St Lucia, St Vincent, St Kitts and now for the first time in the Cayman Islands.

Sunpower Hot Water Systems were developed with the Caribbean climate specifically in mind. Users report savings in the region of 25 per cent to 30 per cent on their fuel bills. The solar panels and water tanks are located on the roof of the house, and as the units have been produced for this region, all units are built to withstand winds of up to 185 mph.

For further information contact Trevor Skeete, Solar Water Heating on 547 6257